Tournament in Numbers:
8 out of the world’s top 10
20 major winners including all of last year’s major champions
22 nationalities represented
6 former world No.1’s
Of the 14 previous editions, 12 were won by major champions
16th edition
World No.1 Lilia Vu spoke to media today ahead of her second HSBC Women’s World Championship appearance after finishing T14 last year –
On the Tanjong Course:
“This course is pretty demanding off the tee, and I think with how the green has been playing, it’s a little bit on the firmer side. So for me, you can’t really attack the pins. You kind of just have to aim for the front of the green and just kind of have a plan after that. So just playing smart golf, not being too greedy and I think I’m just going to stick to that game plan.”
On visiting Singapore:
“It’s an amazing city and country. I think a lot of fans come out to support many of their favourite players. I always enjoy coming to any country in Asia. I think they really respect women’s golf over here and that’s something that I really appreciate.”
On what has changed for her since winning four times in the last 12 months including two majors:
“I think sometimes I get really down on myself and just frustrated that I didn’t hit a shot that I know I could pull off.
So I think just more confidence, a little more, I think I’m nicer to myself now knowing that I’m kind of resilient, and I think that’s the biggest difference.”
On getting a sneak preview of Sentosa Island’s newest attraction at Monday’s official tournament launch with Jin Young Ko, Celine Boutier and Ruoning Yin…
“That was super fun. So Ruoning, Celine, Jin Young and I went to Sentosa’s Sensoryscape. I’ve never seen it before. I heard it’s a new attraction but it was really fun to be there. Took a lot of photos with them. We were kind of in the middle portion of the sculpture with the waterfall. It looked like a bunch of spoons falling down. It was a very cool experience and to be there with them was really cool, too.”
Celine Boutier, the 2023 Amundi Evian Champion and, like Vu, a four-time LPGA winner last year, finished T11 in last year –
On how you follow a stand-out season like she had in 2023:
“It’s difficult testify but I think a lot of the goals will be the same. Most important, I will focus on my game and how I can get it better from one week to another, I think that’s taking off the pressure of performing and having — you know, trying to get as many wins or more wins than last year, which I think is kind of tough.”
On the new bunker on 18:
“I definitely think it makes it harder. The line is going to be more towards the right and it makes the fairway more narrow, and yeah, I think it’s definitely a little bit more tricky, especially maybe for the right pins or back right.
“So I think it’s a good addition. Definitely look the like they have done a really good job with it, too. The bunker looks really great. So I think it was a good addition, and definitely makes it harder.”
On the support of fans in Singapore:
“I feel like this city and country is very much behind golf, and especially women’s golf, I feel like since we’ve been here, it’s just always been nice and I think a lot of players enjoy coming just because the experience is so smooth and very nice from, really, every perspective.”
Credit – Getty Images- HSBC